The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, Sedona’s only spa and golf resort is located amidst the spectacular beauty of Northern Arizona’s red rock country.

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, 90 Ridge Trail Drive, sits south of Bell Rock, and Red Rock Crossing, secluded from the bustling activity of Uptown Sedona. Anyone seeking rejuvenation of mind, body, spirit and attitude can do no better than to land right here.

The magnificent red rock formations which surround this Sedona hotel gives the resort the true feel of a high desert lodge. Sedona has often been called “The Most Beautiful Place in America” for its natural beauty and nature. The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa is located just 90 minutes north of Phoenix, AZ with the Grand Canyon only two and a half hours away.

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa blends blissful comfort and rustic Arizona style throughout its rooms and suites, which include patios or balconies, and gas fireplaces. The exclusive Jacuzzi Suite, which obviously must be booked well in advance, overlooks the manicured 18 holes championship golf course and painted red rock formations glowing in the Arizona sun.

The resort offers 219 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites. Guests can select between a Deluxe Guest Room, a One Bedroom Suite, a Premium View Suite, the ADA Accessible or Jacuzzi Suite. All guest rooms and suites are exquisitely decorated with Southwest furnishings and many provide views of the stunning red rock formations or manicured golf course fairways. Finally, each room and suite offers a gas fireplace, patio or balcony, microwave and wet bar.

For dining, The Grille at Shadowrock serves up gourmet cuisine Southwestern style supervised by Chef Richards, offering fresh regional fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The decor of the restaurant is ruggedly handsome with earth tones, wrought iron and soft lighting that is sure to provide a comfortable environment for all guests. Outdoor fireside patio dining boasts stunning views of lush fairways and pine-topped mountain ridges.

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa has a lot of leisure activities to offer its guests and the flagship of this would be their championship par-71 golf course designed by Gary Panks, which comes with a full service clubhouse and Pro Shop.

There are also two elaborate outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness center, and concierge services offer a full range of activities. Director of Adventure, Daniel Finch McCaffrey stands ready to help create an exhilarating outdoor experience for those who want the very best in accommodations and adventure.

For the spa focused guest looking to unwind, relax and recharge the system, The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa is also a perfect choice.

Housed in a 20,000 sq ft facility next to the resort, the Hilton Sedona Spa awaits with a myriad of offerings such as their signature Full Circle Massage, the Jasmine Hydrating Body Wrap, the Desert Lotus Journey, and standards like reflexology treatments and Swedish massage.

Embracing a spiritual connection to the surrounding Sedona landscape, this spa offers a wide range of options for guests including : Tai Chi, Kundalini Yoga, Qui Gong and other Eastern movement classes.

Massage and body treats are considered specialties of The Hilton Spa. The objective is to assist each guest in creating a balance between body and mind and to achieve harmony as the aromatherapy and peaceful music loosen one’s muscles and slow one’s thoughts.

The Spa’s therapists have each received a minimum of 600 hours of professional, certified training and their massage and treatment will gently relax your tight muscles, increasing movement and releasing blocked energy. Each massage is tailored to the guest’s personal needs and requests and the therapists are also trained to combine several techniques to give the guest maximum results.

State of the art fitness equipment, a 25-meter lap pool, tennis courts, and personal trainers can assist with an array of workout regimens. After refreshing the mind and body, finish with a visit to the world-class salon to take care of the aesthetic details.

So how do guests rate this desert spa resort ?

Well judging from the TripAdvisor ratings, overall very good : Of the total of 303 reviews by guests 221 reviews fell in the Excellent or Very Good category with some 38 reviews of the 303 in either the Poor or Terrible categories.

Here are some of the reviews :

A couple from New York liked the resort a lot headlining their review “Great value: worth the trek” and continue :

Great value for the money, terrific, clean, spacious accommodations, beautiful views, great if you golf but 2 excellent pools available if you don’t. Food at hotel restaurant was mediocre at best but there’s plenty of other great eateries around. Location is a bit of a drive from the main ‘drag’ but worth it.

A couple from Dublin, Ireland also liked it and called it a “Beautiful place, beautiful hotel, fabulous stay” and continue :

We recently returned from a long holiday in USA, one of our stays in the Hilton resort & spa Sedona, Arizona. The hotel was fabulous, the scenery breathtaking, and we will definitely return to this hotel. The pools were great, and even though we arrived mid afternoon, the restaurant quickly arranged to serve us a delicious lunch. Our rooms were spacious, with a separate dining and kitchen area, and were spotless. The location is just a short 7 min. drive to Sedona itself, but this only comlements the beautiful scenery and adds to the peace and tranquility of the area. I have travelled extensively in the USA and have yet to find a more beautiful location, and will be returning as soon as possible to the Hilton Sedona.

Read more positive and also critical reviews from this resort here.

Not convinced yet ? You may be having seen the images from the resort – click here.

Address:

Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa

90 Ridge Trail Dr.

Sedona, AZ 86351

Tel: 1.928.284.4040 or 1.877.2REDROCK (1.877.273.3762)

Fax: 1.928.284.6940

Website : http://www.hiltonsedona.com/

Rated among the top ten global thermal spa experiences in the world by Condé Nast Travel (2004-2007, 2009), and the only spa outside Europe to win this accolade, is the Polynesian Spa at the Lake Rotorua in New Zealand.

The Polynesian Spa is a true Day Spa and its thermal spa is world-class pampering in the heart of New Zealand’s premier thermal playground.

Polynesian Spa is a truly unique spa and thermal water bathing experience and is ideal for singles, families or couples.

Twenty-six authentic, hot mineral pools in four discreet areas welcome visitors to this all-seasons experience. Simply choose a bathing area to suit your requirements be that the much acclaimed Deluxe Lake Spa or the Adult Pools & Priest Spa, Private Pools, or even their Family Spa.

At the Lake Spa Retreat guests can treat themselves to an exfoliation, body polish, replenishment or massage and this day spa offers endless pampering at its Lake Spa Retreat.

Set amid native flora, the exclusive Lake Spa Retreat is an inviting relaxation haven, providing an array of enticing massage, spa and hydro therapies. All spa therapies include deluxe Lake Spa bathing. Completing this exclusive bathing and spa experience is a café, serving healthy light cuisine, and a spa essentials gift shop with desirable spa essentials.

Their Hydro Spa Therapies with their popular Aix Spa Massage gives visitors a chance to experience water based spa therapy with its fragrant coconut oil massage under jets of warm water.

For hungry or thirsty guests there is the Hot Springs Cafe which provides delicious and healthy cuisine and refreshments all day long.

So how do day visitors rate this Spa ?

Well an overwhelming number of the reviews on TripAdvisor.com are positive to very positive and here are some of the reasons :

A couple from California, USA headlines their review “Super Relaxing” and have this short to-the-point review :

My wife and I went here the morning before our flight out of Rotorua and we both got one of the mud polishes. What can I say, spectacular! The staff was very courteous and professional and the the thermal pools were a perfect way to relax before our flight. Loved it!

A person from Oregon, USA calls it a “Great Place to Relax” and continues:

I booked the skin deep mini facial and the Aix Spa Massage. Two great spa treatments in the Lake Spa Retreat. With the treatments comes the use of the Lake Spa Retreat hot mineral pools. There are 4 pools each with increasing temperatures ranging from 36 degrees C to 42 degrees C. It is a fantastic way to relax and unwind. The staff were very efficient and friendly. Upon check in you get issued a robe and a locker key. There are plenty of towels in the locker room for use. The spa treatments were wonderful. Between treatments you can relax in the lounge and even have time for a soak in the pools. What a great way to spend the afternoon.

Read all TripAdvisor reviews on the Polynesian Spa here.

Finally view their gallery by clicking here or their videos from this Day Spa here.

Or have a look at this great video from the Spa :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTQem3ZkdKE

Address :

Polynesian Spa

Lakefront, Hinemoa Street

Rotorua, New Zealand

Email: info@polynesianspa.co.nz

Web:  http://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/

Toll Free NZ only: 0508 765 977

International: +64 07 348 1328

Facsimile: +64 07 348 9486

The Dead Sea is by many best known for its restorative properties, soothing salt water and historical significance, but these days it is also becoming known for its luxury resorts. Among the most premium of them is the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort.

The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa is situated between the mountains and the Dead Sea, near ancient, sacred sites such as Mount Nebo and the Jordan River.

Its calming seaside location and premium amenities are making it a favorite among international visitors, many of whom include Americans who appreciate the Marriott brand.

The resort’s staff is known to be among the most hospitable in the country providing a genuine welcoming spirit that will rival some of Amman’s most luxurious and established names. Public areas have been refreshed to international standards and are consistently updated to ensure the latest in comfort and style.

An international buffet provides three meals a day, but the Italian buffet is perhaps the most interesting of the hotel’s dining outlets offering lunch and dinner menus. Champions is the well-known sports bar popular with expatriates and frequent Marriott guests. At dinner time, a steak house, seafood outlet and various other hotel specialty restaurants vie for guests’ attention. The seafood restaurant is generally the most popular, and an outdoor snack bar is available throughout the day.

Check out all their dining outlets here.

Recreation is the primary focus here and encompasses the heated outdoor pools, a private beach, an indoor pool, a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and not least excellent spa services.

The spa blends European and Eastern therapeutic treatments and ceremonies to create an unforgettable experience in supreme luxury and the spa menu offers invigorating treatments using natural elements of the Dead Sea.

The Spa at the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa was designed to incorporate the natural unique elements of the Dead Sea to combat the stresses and drains of modern day life and nurture a healthy balance. The Dead Sea is probably the most exceptional body of water on earth, and its surroundings the most extraordinary.

Amenities include Rasul treatments, a Dead Sea saltwater pool, whirlpools, hydrotherapy, scrub wrap rooms, and a Turkish bath and solarium.

Guests can also try the unique Heat Experiences, make use of their Hammam  scented Sauna and of course the Spa Pool which offers a variety of body jets which in turn provide mineral rich waters at the optimal temperature for the body to rebalance.

The Sunrise and Sunset Terraces are unique to the spa, providing the perfect places to rest, unwind and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Finally, have a look at their Special Packages offered at the spa by clicking here.

A fitness center caters to the muscle-clad guest, and although less-agile guests may encounter problems reaching the waterfront because of the stairways, arrangements are in place to ensure all guests can get there.

In terms of the resort’s accommodation it is a modern look which prevails  with colorful fabrics, plush duvets and linens, and contemporary lighting. Guest rooms come with the expected amenities including minibars, safes, cable TVs, high-speed Internet access (both wired and wireless for a fee), and dual-line phones with voice mail and data ports.

Views of the sea can be enjoyed from nearly every one of the resort’s total of 251 rooms, and many of these offer private terraces too.

Click here for a complete overview of all types and sizes of accommodation offered by this resort.

So how do guests rate this unique place and resort ?

Well 70 out of a total of 86 reviews on TripAdvisor.com rate the resort as Excellent or Very Good and only 8 in total as poor.

Let us check out some of these comments made recently by visitors to The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa :

A couple from the UK have this to-the-point comment about their stay :

Their location on the Dead Sea is spot-on…Access to the Awesome body of water and it’s precious mud makes the pricey tag on this hotel worth it!!!

NOW..eating we ate at the sports bar..8/10..the Italian terrace 9/10 and yes we stayed away from the steak house couldn’t justify eating a £50 steak!!

A couple from Dublin, Ireland also liked it :

This is a lovely hotel and would highly recommend it for a totally relaxing holiday. The hotel is pretty isolated and am not sure what there is in the local area. Lovely for a few days of total relaxation. The hotel swimming pools run right down to the dead sea with direct access from the hotel to the sea. The spa is also excellent with a full range of facilities. Stayed in Amman city for a few nights before we got to the dead sea but would recommend going straight to this resort and avoiding the city as we did not really like it and really felt our holiday started when we got here..

An expat living in Dubai found the experience good but not five star and argues :

The hotel staff are very efficient and welcoming, and throughout our one week stay we found everyone courteous and helpful. The location and view across the Dead Sea from our room was fantastic. We had booked a suite and was a little disappointed to find it was what would be a standard Marriott room anywhere else, except for the additional king bed, nevertheless it was well maintained and the beds were very comfortable!

The pools were quite busy throughout our stay, but the drinks service around them left a lot to be desired, the staff being kept very busy all day and there didn’t appear to be enough of them to meet the demand. Food cannot be bought at the poolside and there is no opportunity to eat at the poolside either. You have to go to one of the indoor restaurants, which wasn’t what we had in mind. Two of the eateries don’t serve food during the day either, leaving the choice of Champions (fast food), the Italian (more expensive) or the buffet in the main hotel area, which is a bit of an uphill trek if you at one of the lower pools or the “beach”. We would have expected in a 5 star resort to be able to eat where we wanted and without the constraints on the outlets.

Read his full review here and all TripAdvisor reviews of this resort here.

Finally, have a Photo Tour of the resort by clicking here and see the amazing views and indoors.

Have you ever wanted to experience the way in which Malay kings once crafted their palaces ? To live like Malay kings once did in surroundings fronted by an emerald sea glittering with diamonds of light, shaded by tall palms rustling in the breeze, attended to by a people steeped in traditions as timeless as the land.

Welcome to the Tanjong Jara Resort.

Located on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tanjong Jara Resort is a sanctuary of luxury and well-being steeped in age-old Malay traditions. Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces, Tanjong Jara is a 99-room resort with an authentic taste of the region’s spirit and an enduring embodiment of the gentle Malay art of service and hospitality.

The philosophy of the Resort is as unique as the Resort itself. Based on the Malay concept of Sucimurni, which emphasises purity of spirit, health and well-being, Tanjong Jara encourages true rejuvenation of both body and spirit in luxurious surroundings.

Tanjong Jara is an opportunity to withdraw from the pressures of this ever-changing world by offering the guest a chance to immerse oneself in a place of serenity and beauty. Authentic in architecture and attitude, always warm and welcoming, it is an environment to let go, to relax deeply and take time to rediscover oneself, your family or your friends; all this whilst staff members drawn from the local villages truly live the age old legacy of Malaysian warmth and hospitality.

Every room is intricately designed, using rich local timbers and tastefully furnished with luxurious local fabrics. The Anjung, Serambi and Bumbung rooms are all positioned to offer panoramic views of the South China Sea and direct access to the beach as well as the beautiful tropical landscaped gardens. The Anjung rooms are situated along the beachfront; there are 10 single-storey beach rooms. A symmetrical sunken outdoor bath is set in its own private garden, while an in-door bathroom features two vanity units, and a large indoor shower. The doors and windows open out into a canopied veranda overlooking the beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and the sea. The Serambi rooms are situated on the ground floor of a two-storey building. With a partially covered veranda that overlooks the tropical gardens and perfect for sun bathing. The Bumbung rooms are situated above the Serambi Rooms and are similar in size and furnishings. The windows open out to a magnificent view of the ocean and gardens.

At Tanjong Jara you can choose from a wide variety of possible experiences – lazy and languid, energetic and outdoors, indulgent and regenerative, cultural and enlightening – it is your choice whether you fold them into a single visit, or you craft each visit differently to meet your needs.

Dining at Tanjong Jara Resort is at once scenic, informal and exquisite. Whether over the river or facing the sea, traditional Malay, authentic Chinese and international cuisine is served at its most innovative and exotic. Di Atas Sungei is Malay for “Above the River” so guests will find it easy to spot this restaurant which literally sits above a river that flows into the South China Sea. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and shaded by a huge Ketapang tree, the restaurant opens for breakfast and dinner, and serves authentic Malaysian cuisine. The Teratai Terrace is situated adjacent to the free-form pool. Ideal for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks to the soothing sound of the Gamelan music and a cool breeze from the sea. Nelayan is Malay for “Fisherman”, and seafood is indeed the specialty of this outlet, with its relaxed and informal atmosphere. When the weather permits, a delightful alfresco dining experience is featured on the beach amidst a bonfire, bamboo torches and the gentle sound of the waves. Or dine in a private environment with the attributes of a personal restaurant, complete with a personal chef. Bring your appetite and enjoy the experience.

The multi award-winning Tanjong Club Spa is a complex of structures, gardens and pools, housing a state-of-the-art gym, and a therapy centre that features programs for relaxation and stress relief. Based on Malay healing treatments, traditional Malay medicine and therapy is a national treasure house of Malay health disciplines that have been handed down from generation to generation. At the Tanjong Club, these long held health and beauty secrets are revived. Guest can treat themselves to the rich traditional formulation of age-old customs, a unique blend of natural ingredients found in various indigenous herbs and plants as well as remedies for total health and beauty in the authentic Malay tradition.

The philosophy of Sucimurni emphasizes purity of spirit, health, and well-being. And the award winning Spa Village Tanjong Jara is a sanctuary anchored in this ancient Malay way of life.

This beautiful complex of structures, gardens and pools, houses a therapy centre featuring programs for relaxation, reinvigoration and stress relief based on traditional healing methods.

These unique restorative Malay treatments have been handed down from generation to generation, ensuring their authenticity, and therapeutic value. With a history of more than a thousand years, the practices are believed to have their origins in the convergence of Malay, Arab, Indian and Chinese influences during the days of the Malacca Sultanate.

At the Spa Village Tanjong Jara these long held health and beauty traditions are revived for guests to enjoy. Treat yourself to this rich history, in which unique natural ingredients found in various indigenous herbs and plants are combined with the skills of our resident Malay healers to provide a very special health and beauty experience.

So have guests been overwhelmed at staying there and have they indeed left reinvigorated and happy ?

Well 43 out of a total of 70 reviews say Excellent, whilst another 13 deemed Tanjong Jara Resort Very Good and only 5 & 3 respectively Poor and terrible.

Here are some of the reviews :

A reviewer from Arlington, Virginia, US loved the resort and not least its Spa :

I recently stayed at Tanjong Jara with some friends. I have a lot of comments, so I’ll try to group them.

Food: We went with a food package that included breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast and dinner options were both served at the same restaurant and were very good. Dinner was especially nice with it’s “talking” menu. Lunch was less than stellar – we tried several options on the menu and only liked a few. Alcoholic drinks were not included in the package, but they were affordable, especially at the nightly happy hour. Wine was a bit pricey at dinner, though. We did the Steamboat dining one night and while we got off to a slow start (our burner wasn’t working and no one came over to explain what we were eating / how to eat it), it ended up being VERY good. One thing to note – the culture / staff are very laid back. Dinner would usually take almost 2 hours each night. We definitely weren’t rushed and it was at times difficult to get the bill. It didn’t really matter to us since we were on vacation, but some folks may think the service is “slow.”

Accommodations: We had an Anjung Suite, and it was very nice. It was private, located at the edge of the resort so we essentially had our own beach. The bed was comfy and the bathroom was huge! A few little bugs here and there, but nothing too bad.

Beach/Pools: Both wonderful! The resort is HUGE so it was easy to feel like the only people there. The week we were there was a break week for the KL international schools so there were a lot of expats there with children. Luckily there is a lovely adults-only pool area for folks that like a little more peace and quiet.

Spa: Fantastic!!! Must do!

Read the remainder os his review here

A couple from Brussels, Belgium also liked the resort and gave this to-the-point review of their stay :

Stayed at the Tanjong Jara a few years ago. it’s a bit remote and there is not so much to see in terms of cities etc. around. But the resort is fantastic. The rooms are spacious, well designed and equipped. Service was very good and all staff were extremely friendly. We tried a few of the spa treatments which were a treat indeed. Definitely recommend it for a great relaxing holiday!

Read all the TripAdvisor reviews, good and bad by clicking here.

Get inspired by watching these videos from this amazing resort below :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9hRAmfuz0o

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIcvX7Y7mQc

Contact details:

Tanjong Jara Resort, Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun,
23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Telephone: +60 9 845 1100
Facsimile: +60 9 845 6014

The Shanti Ananda Maurice Resort promises both a blissful and true Mauritian experience and a pathway to vitality through a union of body, mind and soul. Spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens, with breathtaking views of the hills and the Indian Ocean with its coral reefs, the resort is located in the south of Mauritius at St. Felix. Crystal clear turquoise waters greet you as you step out of your door; gracefully wooded hills circle the spa. Enchantment fills the air as the great healers — nature, rest, beauty and stillness — begin to work their magic.

Shanti Ananda Maurice only features private accommodation which comprises 17 villas and 44 suites, and the resort is set in a fantastic beachfront location. However, complete privacy is also offered to its guests and remains an important ingredient of the concept and offering.

Junior Ocean View Suites offer all modern comforts, including plasma TVs and broadband Internet access, whilst luxury villas and suites each have a temperature-controlled private swimming pool. Choose the Presidential Villa for the ultimate in spacious accommodation both inside and outside, including three bedrooms and a pool with built-in jacuzzi and steam room, all set in beautifully landscaped gardens.

The Shanti Ananda resort is highly acclaimed and awarded including the title in 2008 by Tatler Travel Guide as “Most Heavenly Hideaway” – click here to see other awards won by the resort.

Cuisine at Shanti Ananda Maurice is based on the 5000 year old medical science of Ayurveda, which places importance on eating the right food depending on one’s body type. The goal of Ayurveda is to work with natural Biorhythms and specific needs of the body and to bring in nourishing, as well as immune system enhancing foods. Based on these principles, the food at Shanti Ananda promises to be an eclectic and wholesome combination that will eventually lead to perfect health, the natural way. Choose from the on-site restaurants like Pebbles – an all day dining restaurant that serves Mauritian and International cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Or try Da Maurizio – a specialty fine fining Italian restaurant experience where their internationally acclaimed chefs will treat you to mouth watering delicacies. The lounge bar Red Ginger will offer you both alfresco and indoor options and the largest selection of wines available. And in the evenings you can enjoy local Mauritian entertainment.

The 50,000 sq ft spa is located in a tropical forest surrounded by water and features an enchanting tea pavilion at its center. Offering an extensive menu of body and beauty treatments the spa staff integrate the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda and Yoga with Thalassotherapy and contemporary international spa treatments. Comprising of 17 treatment rooms with specialized areas for each discipline, the spa offers guests an experienced team of Ayurvedic physicians, spa therapists and personal trainers – the combined expertise of which provides guidance towards healthier lifestyle changes. The spa will also offer a complete range of ESPA body and beauty treatments, a beauty and hair salon, boutique and a salt-water pool for Watsu treatments. Shanti Ananda will offer special workshops and private sessions with visiting masters in different areas of well-being.

Also available are activities such as deep sea fishing, tennis and cooking classes.

Click here to view their resort photo gallery.

So how did visitors like this resort ? Not surprisingly very positive overall with some negative reviews mixed in too.

A couple from Cambridge, UK give the resort 5 stars all around and base it on the following comments :

My wife and I stayed in an Ocean View Junior Suite at the beginning of November 2007 on a bed and breakfast board. Shanti Ananda is situated in the South of the Island, about a 40 minute drive from the airport. This part of Mauritius is still very undeveloped and unspoilt unlike the north and west areas of the island which are wall to wall hotels.

The resort has been finished to an exceptionally high standard. Our room was large with an enormous bed and a stunning bathroom. We had a balcony with breakfast table and sun loungers overlooking the sea. The quality of the linens, towels, fixtures and fittings are first class.

The room, along with the rest of the resort, was absolutely spotlessly clean at all times.

In the main hotel area there are two restaurants and a bar overlooking a large infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The architecture and views are stunning and again the quality of finish is superb. The food is very good and well presented in both restaurants. It is reasonably priced, no different to London restaurant prices.

There is a lovely clean beach overlooking a shallow bay protected from the main sea by a long reef. The spa and fitness centre have excellent facilities and an extensive list of therapies and treatments. We both had massages which were great.

The service at Shanti Ananda is exceptional. The staff are friendly and attentive, but not obtrusive. Nothing was too much trouble and it felt like the staff were truly proud of their hotel and so they should be.

Shanti Ananda may be famous for its spa and spiritual approach but foremost it is a beautiful and excellent hotel. We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing beach holiday in a stunning location and were thoroughly looked after.

An Indian national highly recommends their spa and diet advise :

Hey, I recently visited this spa SHANTI ANANDA MAURICE in Mauritius. its totally an amazing spa wherein they are giving great ayurvedic and international treatments as well as body & beauty treatments in the Indian traditional style of yoga. Apart from that they also provide you with a nutritious diet suiting your body. It was a fabulous experience, really helped me a lot. Do try it.

Click here to read other happy and unhappy guests’ reviews.

Check out the video below which is a professional traveler’s experience of the Spa at The Shanti Ananda :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsFw7CJAvmI

Contact details:

Rivière des Galets
Chemin Grenier
Maurice
Mauritius (GMT + 4)
Ph : 230 603 7200
Fax : 230 603 7250

This tropical oasis amid the rolling waves of Bo Phut Beach, lush gardens and breezy coves is a paradise for the mostly European clientele who set foot here and the resort is furthermore a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Grand in design, yet intimate in scale, The Anantara Spa at Anantara Koh Samui Resort & Spa offers deluxe treatments and highlights such as outdoor private plunge pools and dedicated, private relaxation areas. Encompassing over 3,000 square metres, there are six glass-walled treatment rooms fully ensconced in tropical lush gardens and the spa prides itself on the holistic approach which is taken to therapies and lifestyle choices here.

Carefully trained therapists draw from the wisdom of the ages in their meticulously executed therapies combining the Eastern traditions and contemporary Western holistic practices. The spa presents the world-renowned signature treatment that heightens your experience of Southern Thailand.

The Spa menu very much follows the Anantara philosophy of personalized treatments which heal and soothe the guest both physically and spiritually. Click here for a full overview of the Spa Menu which includes personalized treatments, Spa Journeys, Salon Treatments & Bath & Steam Rituals.

The Spa also has a wide range of Special Offers available – click here to review the options.

If this is not enough to make one want to visit this unique resort and Spa destination, have a look at their Photo Gallery and another media gallery from Professional Travel Guide here.

What some guests had to say about this Resort & Spa :

One couple made these comments :

First of all, you have to like to idea of staying in a ‘resort’ to like this place. With the numerous hotel in Samui theses days, one is really spoilt for choice. And with the price you pay for a suite in Anantara, you can get a small villa style room in loads of other resort.
For Anantara, you only get a hotel room.
Having said that, the hotel ground is lovely, nicely manicured and well kept. Lovely pool is adjacent to the small private beach., and small beach is right next to the private beach of neighboring hotel.
Suite room is really nice with it’s own sitting area, separate shower and bath, with the bathtub next to the bed separated by a sliding panel which can be open up! There are 2 balconies, one at the seating area and the other near the bed.
Nice Spa, truly enjoyed it.

A British couple from Kent :

I can’t say enough about this hotel and its staff, when i arrived i had to go to the doctors in an emergency due to a gland infection on my face and a couple of days later had to be admitted into hospital. They came to see me in hospital bringing a basket of fruit and a big basket of flowers and a get well soon card was waiting for me when released from hospital.

The staff were concerned about my well-being and clarified for me what the treatment was going to be and whether i needed to stay on for longer in case i couldn’t fly.

The spa treatments were superb and the spa staff very welcoming and pleasant and advised on a range of treatments for me to make me feel good and to relax me. They are doing some renovating on some rooms so there is some noise during the day and they are going to build villas on the now empty plot on the left of the hotel.

In general the guest reviews are positive to very positive but quite a few guests found the resort and its spa pricing very expensive so one has to keep this in mind.  A few actually suggest massages and treatments outside of the hotel, at the beach typically, as a viable though not-so-fancy alternative.

More Guest Spa reviews here.

Contact details for Anantara Koh Samui Resort, Thailand

99/9 Bophut Bay
Samui Island, Surat Thani 84320
Thailand

Tel:         +66 (0) 7742 8300-9
Fax:        +66 (0) 7742 8310
Email:     samui@anantara.com

Sir Bani Yas Island is a showcase for nature-based tourism and animal welfare in Arabia. A wildlife reserve, the Island is home to thousands of animals and birds, many of them endangered.

As the star of the newly opened and much hyped Sir Bani Yas island, a former private retreat for the UAE’s founder Sheik Zayed, Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara has a lot to live up to. The island is natural, not one of the man made ones they’re so fond of in the UAE. Billed as an eco-destination, it offers diving, game drives through an Arabian wildlife park and other outdoorsy activities. and not least a fantastic Spa.

 The resort, just two hours from Abu Dhabi and three from Dubai, is full-on luxe.

With 64 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites, spacious one-bedroom villas and truly luxurious two-bedroom Royal Villas, Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa invites you to live out your own Arabian nights in a destination that is anything but ordinary.

The Island provides ample opportunities to explore the natural rugged beauty and is a haven for adventure seekers.

Explore the walking trails of the island’s thriving wildlife reserve. In addition, the Island has a lot of nature driven activities, including game drives, kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, hiking, archery and guided game walks.

Click here for an overview of Island excursions and resort facilities.

When it comes to the Spa at The Anantara Desert Island Resort & Spa, this offering is very much in line with the Anantara Spa philosophy which includes pure and natural elements that have been chosen for their curative benefits and energetic powers. Their usage of  exquisite new fragrances in oils and elixirs will sate all the guest’s five senses and ancient healing and modern therapies work in harmony to renew, restore and revive the guests.

Encounter rituals and healing ways based on the therapeutic energies of semi-precious stones. Amber is renowned for its energising qualities; Emerald is the colour of love and perfect for couples to experience together. Aqua Marine helps reduce stress and brings about a deeper level of relaxation.

Special facials for men and in-your-own-room treatments and massages are just a few of their specialities which also includes Body Treatments and “Spa Journeys” – click here for an overview of Massages and here for their Body Treatments.

The Resorts also offers a range of Special Packages – check them out.

On what guests have to say, well the reviews are very mixed but mostly positive. A couple from Athens, Greece were overall not too impressed with the resort and its staff but found that the Spa experience made up for most of the bad experiences :

All this being said – the spa was absolutely amazing. The setting is beautiful, the staff was extremely friendly and attentive, and the thai massages that both my husband and I had were incredible. The attention to detail (down to the rose petals in the bowl of water underneath the massage table so that when you are face down you are looking at that pretty sight and not the floor) was impressive, and they even have the capability to have treatments outside with a view of the beach and water while still having privacy (our treatments were at night and it was windy so we were inside but could hear the waves which added a lot to the experience).

More mixed guest reviews here.

Make a virtual visit to the Island by browsing through their gallery here or better still view a video from the resort :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=b472zDf0wG4

 Contact details for Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa:

Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Ruwais
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tel:   +971(0)28015400  

Fax: +971(2)28015404

dirs@anantara.com